1972 Gibson EB-3L bass

The Gibson EB0 and EB3 were redesigned in 1972: gone were the mahogany necks and slotted headstocks (see a 1971 Gibson EB3L) - replaced with a thicker three-piece maple neck (the width at the nut increased from 1 1/2" to 1 5/8"), with larger headstock and a volute. The body wood was still mahogany, but they were significantly thicker: 1 5/8" compared to 1 1/4" of the preceding version, and the neck pickup was repositioned closer to the bridge.

The redesign was partially intended to strengthen weak necks: headstock breaks are very common in mahogany-necked EB basses, and maple, especially with a volute is much stronger; and partially to improve tonal clarity. The less-defined thump, inspired by the upright basses of the 1950s and 1960s were nowhere near as desirable in the 1970s. Listen to the 1972 Gibson EB3L soundclips on this site.

1972 Gibson EB-3L specifications

Differences between the EB3L and EB3 were minor (see a 1972 Gibson EB3)- naturally a longer neck (total body length is 44" compared to XXX" of the EB3) and a repositioned bridge. The fretboard of all long scale SG style basses of this period had one less fret (20) compared to 21 of the short scale basses, though this is not mentioned in published descriptions of the time. All other dimensions are unchanged.

Notice the two point bar bridge with cover. Three point bridges were not in use until 1973, but these were slightly upgraded from older versions, in having metal saddles. The machine heads are Schaller M-4-S.

This is one of 268 Cherry EB3Ls produced in 1972 (See Gibson EB3 shipping data) - compared to 530 shortscale Cherry EB3s. In total 1355 EB3 and EB3Ls were produced in 1972.

The 1972 EB-3L had series 2 circuitry with some changes from earlier EB3 basses.

The 1972 new EB bass design was significantly different from preceding versions. Looking at the body: a new scratchplate design and the neck pickup significantly repositioned towards the middle of the body, for greater tonal clarity. Long scale EB basses of the early seventies had 20 frets compared to 21 of their short-scale siblings.

The mahogany body, with glued in three-piece maple neck, and control cavity cover. This bass is a great example of how Gibson's nitrocellulose cherry finish can fade to brown. The colour differences on the woods from front to back can clearly be seen; the cherry finish has remained vibrant cherry-red over the maple, yet has faded to a duller brown on the mahogany body. Cherry basses can easily be confused with Gibson's Walnut finish, available at the same time.

The EB3L bass pickup is the same humbucker as the short scale EB3. Note the Gibson logo engraved into the chrome cover - this was fairly common around 1971-1972.

Witch-hat knobs with position markers (volume and tone for each pickup), and four-way varitone switch with chicken head knob.

This bass is fitted with a two-point tune-o-matic bridge with metal saddles, and chrome bridge cover. Note the engraved Gibson logo on the Gibson mini-humbucker.

Four-way varitone switch with chicken head knob. The varitone switch on the EB3 offers some quite distinct sounds; have a listen to the EB3L audio clips on this site.

The varitone positions are as follows:

Position 1: front pickup
Position 2: back pickup
Position 3: both pickups in parallel
Position 4: front pickup with midrange notch.

The EB3L was available in both Walnut and Cherry. This Cherry finished bass is worn (back of neck) and faded (body), and in places (the front especially) look almost like a faded Walnut finish.

Typical Gibson set (glued) neck joint, and five ply scratchplate

As of 1972, the Gibson bass headstock was larger, with a simple silk-screened logo. It is unusual to find a not-slotted headstock EB bass with an engraved truss rod cover, but a few, like this early maple-neck EB-3Ls, were fitted with them. Tuning Keys are Schaller M4S.

The neck design changed in 1972: firstly maple, rather than mahogany, was used, it was wider and it was given a volute for the first time. Note Schaller M-4-S tuners, serial number, and MADE IN USA text.

Gibson EB-3 bass guitars for sale

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Gibson EB-3 Cherry Mod 1969 Electric Bass Guitar Original Case Slotted Head Art

El Segundo, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Beautiful stunning EB three Gibson guitar Bass original case, one lady owner, left as found 1970s i??ll let the Pictures do the talking or the playing ! Enjoy laurence & sally of StorageWars and baggage battles currently www roundthebend tv
... more

1969 Gibson EB3 Bass Guitar- 100% Original with Original Case

Glastonbury, Connecticut, 060**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3700

One owner, bought new in 1969 from Quigly Music in Kansas City with original Gibson Case. One small strap rub on back with minor finish scratches on back as seen in photos.... more

1965 Gibson EB-3 - 100% Original - Straight Neck - Low Action - Great Player!

Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

For your consideration is this 1965 Gibson EB-3 in a Transparent Cherry finish. Overall the guitar is in very good shape with only light to moderate play wear. 100% Original! The original pickups deliver excellent sound across all playing styles, truly capturing the iconic tones of your favorite players. Playability is excellent with low action & no fret wear. Mute is in case. Straight neck, low action, moved thumb rest (much more usable)
Comes with the original case and candy as shown. ... more

1972 Gibson EB-3 Short Scale Electric Bass Walnut Finish SG Vintage Gig Bag

Astoria, Oregon, 971**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1995

In great to near excellent condition. Has kill switch, two tone knobs, two volume knobs and pick up selector. With really cool vintage gig bag. From Fly Guitars site: When the EB3 was redesigned for 1972, Gibson were careful to make a less fragile bass. Some of the 1960s EB basses cracked easily when dropped, or knocked about a bit. The easily-broken mahogany neck had been replaced with a thicker three-piece maple one. It was given a thicker body, and a bigger headstock. It had a volute for neck... more

1972 Gibson EB-3 Slotted Headstock Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Walnut w / Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2900

Up for sale, a 1972 Gibson EB-3 in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. This is an uncommon version of the EB-3 platform, only produced from 1970 to early ?72, featuring a slotted headstock
Surprisingly versatile, the EB-3 delivers warm, midrange rich snarl from the mini humbucker in the bridge position, and powerful low end thump from the neck position "Mudbucker " The rotary pickup selector offers a bevy of tones at the flick of a ... more

Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar

Santa Barbara, California, 931**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

Vintage 1969 Gibson EB-3Cherry Electric Bass Guitar. Jack Bruce played an EB-3. So did Glenn Cornick ofJethro Tull. Bob Daisley played an EB-3 on Ozzy Osbourne's Blizzard of Ozz Also Andy Fraser of Free. Michael Davis - MC5. Norm Sundholm, bassist for TheKingsmen and co-founder of Sunn Amplifiers also played an EB-3. This is an original1969 Gibson EB-3 Bass in the classic Cherry Red finish, with serial number 603929 This EB-3 is in very good condition, showing player wear with buckle rash, ... more

1961 Gibson EB-3 the cleanest original extent w / hang tags 1 of a kind & Minty !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$11495

This is a beautiful 1st year produced example of the exactly ??Cream Era?? Gibson EB-3 bass, pretty much identical the primary one used extensively by Jack Bruce from 1966 into the mid-70s. These expensive double pickup EB basses were made in fairly small quantities from 1961 into the mid-1960s but most examples that surface now are the later ??60s and early ??70s models, when they were produced in much greater numbers ?? at least partially due to the popularity of Cream ! Those are fine ... more

"1973" Vintage Cherry "GIBSON EB-3" with OHSC Serial #056076 in Great Condition

Riverside, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3295

Here we a have a Pre-Owned Excellent Condition 1973 VINTAGE GIBSON EB-3 BASS. I Just put it through the Shop to make sure everything is up to snuff. I am very meticulous when it comes to my gear, I baby my stuff. Everything is in perfect working order. I just had it completely set up with brand New FENDER FLATOUND 45-100'S so it plays wonderful. Truss Rod is in good working condition Neck is Straight action is perfect. (I like the action low) so it set perfect and plays like a dream. All the ... more

Gibson EB-3 FRETLESS Bass Guitar Electric Vintage Rare 60??s / 70??s SG Fret Less

Brisbane, California, 940**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1799

Wow look at this beast. Fretless monster from I think the 70??s. Not sure if it was made into a fretless, or if that??s stock. Either way. Its such a cool bass.

-11 pounder
-nics and dents everywhere, wear here and there. Belt rash
-extra hole from a once moved strap peg

Ive had this for a few years. Im just not a fretless player, but I always dug this thing. Was in this condition when I originally purchased it. Pots look original

Switch #4 and #1 light ... more

Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar 1967

Horncastle, LN9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2950

The Gibson EB-3 is a bass guitar introduced in 1961 and discontinued in 1979. It was produced at Gibson's plant in Kalamazoo, MI It features a slim SG-style body, a short 30 5" scale, and two pick up's (a large humbucking pickup in the neck position and a mini humbucker pickup in the bridge position). The electronics include a four-way rotary pickup selector switch (for Series 1 basses: neck pickup with midrange notch, bridge, bridge and neck with low end rolled off neck pickup, neck pickup with... more

1970 Gibson EB 3 BASS NUT USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£99

NARROW 42 mm version
... more

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€439

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA :
* CASE ONLY !
* interior has stains
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* worn but solid
* check all pics
PLENTY of PARTS for SALE
ATTENTION! OVER 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-AMPS-PARTS
in our OTHER AUCTIONS !!!
CHECK OUR SHOP OUT -------------->>>>>-------------->>>>>
... more

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - Made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£385

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA :
* CASE ONLY !
* interior has stains
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* worn but solid
* check all pics
... more

1965 Gibson EB 3 BASS PICKUP RING USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£129

bridge pickup ring ONLY
... more

Gibson EB 3 CASE 1971 - passend für NUR GESCHLITZTE SPINDELSTOCK-Version

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£399

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA :
* CASE ONLY !
* strap that holds case open=GONE
* bottom and top are loose =need reglueing
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* check all pics
* SOLD AS IS - NO RETURNS... more

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€444

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA :
* CASE ONLY !
* strap that holds case open=GONE
* bottom and top are loose =need reglueing
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* check all pics
Over 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-PARTS in our OTHER
AUCTIONS !!!!
TAKE A LOOK !!!... more

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - Made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£385

1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA :
* CASE ONLY !
* interior has stains
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* worn but solid
* check all pics
... more

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